As much as she has enjoyed watching the birds grow, she has also enjoyed watching people from across the globe take up an interest in the avian creatures.

"It's definitely made a difference to a lot of people," she said of the camera, which the Pennsylvania Game Commission installed above the nest in December. It went offline on Thursday.

But what is it about eagles that so draws people to them?

America's interest in the bird as a symbol for the nation started not long after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were trying to design a national seal, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Their first drawing — Lady Liberty holding a shield — lacked a certain pizazz, though. That was when Philadelphia artist William Barton suggested a golden eagle.

Lawmakers liked the design but raised one objection: golden eagles flew not only over the United States, but also Europe. Officials swapped the bird out for the bald eagle, which is native to North America, and made it the official symbol of the country in 1782, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Over the years, the bird has become an icon of American, appearing on everything from the currency to military insignia.

"The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation," John F. Kennedy once wrote to the Audubon Society, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America."

As for the popularity of Hanover's eagles, Lippy has her own ideas about why so many felt captivated by their story. As viewers watched the birds' every movement, they were treated to unexpected scenes of comedy, drama and heartwarming happiness — sometimes all in the same day, she explained.

"It was everything you could ever hope for in a soap opera," she said with a laugh.

Although the livestream is gone, the birds' fans can still keep up with the Codorus eagles by joining the Hanover, PA Eagle Cam Facebook group, where Lippy provides a near-daily log of what she can see from her home, situated near Codorus State Park. She hopes to continue providing updates for as long as the birds remain in the area.

Game commission officials are not yet sure if the eagle camera will return next year. That will depend on several factors, including the continued participation of community partners like livestream provider HDOnTap and Internet provider Comcast Cable, commission spokeswoman Lori Neely Mitchell said Wednesday.

Lippy is one of many eagleholics who hope to see the stream return for a second season.

"I think it was a wonderful experience," she said. "The ability to see them up close was priceless."